2 Corinthians 6
2 Corinthians 6 can be divided into three main parts. First (vv. 1-2), Paul urges that we should not receive God’s grace in vain, emphasizing that this is the time of salvation. Second (vv. 3-10), by giving examples of his life as a minister, he shows how he faithfully served the gospel amid various trials, hardships, and diverse circumstances. Third (vv. 11-18), he pleads with the Corinthians to open their hearts and form sincere relationships, urging them to live a holy life belonging to God.
1verseWorking together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain.
2verseFor he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.
3verseWe give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
4versebut in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
5versein beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings,
6versein pureness, in knowledge, in perseverance, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,
7versein the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8verseby glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true,
9verseas unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold—we live, as punished and not killed,
10verseas sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
11verseOur mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.
12verseYou are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
13verseNow in return—I speak as to my children—you also open your hearts.
14verseDon’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
15verseWhat agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
16verseWhat agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
17verseTherefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.
18verseI will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
An Attitude for Receiving God’s Grace
Verses 1-2 In these verses, Paul, as a fellow worker with God, reminds us not to receive the grace we have received in vain. Paul stresses that this is a very important time—“now,” the time when the grace of salvation is being given—and urges us not to let it pass thoughtlessly.
Paul’s Ministry and Sincere Evidence
Verses 3-10 show how Paul and his fellow workers put into practice the ministry of Christ through their own lives. They list how they live by sincerity, love, the Holy Spirit, and God’s power even amid various sufferings such as affliction, distress, persecution, labor, sleepless nights, and fasting. Their outer and inner selves may seem different, but in every situation Paul testifies to Christ. This points to both the identity of a minister and the attitude of a believer’s life.
A Request for New Relationships and Holiness
Verses 11-18 Paul tells the Corinthians to open their hearts by urging them not to shut their emotions off. Then he instructs them to be careful not to unite with unbelievers or share their values. As those God is with, he emphasizes that they must live as a set-apart, holy community.
Meditation Points
- How am I receiving God’s grace right now?
- What can I learn from the minister’s heart and attitude that Paul reveals?
- What holiness should our community keep between the world’s values and faith?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- What will I practice in the place I belong today so that I do not receive grace in vain?
- I reflect on what kind of heart and attitude are needed to keep sincerity even in suffering.
- In relationships, I check whether I am “opening my heart,” and whether I am staying within God’s holy calling.
